The Chicago Sky are seeking an experienced and athlete-centered Sports Psychologist / Mental Performance Coach to provide psychological skills training, mindset development, and holistic mental performance support to our athletes throughout the WNBA season. This consultant will play a critical role in enhancing focus, resilience, confidence, communication, and emotional regulation within a high-performance basketball environment. The ideal candidate has extensive experience working with elite athletes, understands the demands of the WNBA schedule, and can integrate seamlessly into a collaborative performance and medical team. This role requires consistent weekly presence and a strong in-person commitment during training camp and throughout the season.

• Mandatory attendance at all home games

• Presence at shootarounds on home game days

• Presence at team practices 2x per week during the season

• Increased availability and on-site commitment during training camp

• Potential travel opportunities for select road trips or events, based on team needs and consultant availability

• Select remote consultation or check-ins as agreed upon with performance leadership

• Provide individualized sessions focused on mental skills such as confidence, focus, adaptability, emotion

regulation, visualization, resilience, and recovery from setbacks.

• Address performance anxiety, role acceptance, motivation, and overall mental well-being.

• Support players returning from injury with strategies for confidence, reintegration, and mental readiness.

• Maintain a confidential, athlete-centered environment that aligns with WNBA mental health guidelines.

• Conduct team workshops on communication, leadership, performance mindset, mental preparation, and competitive habits.

• Support coaching staff with tools for delivering feedback, managing group dynamics, and reinforcing team identity.

• Assist with leadership development initiatives and team culture support throughout the season.

• Work closely with the director of performance, athletic trainers, strength & conditioning staff, and coaching staff to align psychological strategies with physical, tactical, and recovery plans.

• Participate in performance team meetings (in person or virtual) to provide insights on athlete readiness, trends, or recommendations while maintaining player confidentiality.

• Collaborate with medical staff when appropriate to support athletes dealing with stress, anxiety, or life-load management.

• Provide targeted pre-game preparation strategies (activation routines, focus plans, coping strategies).

• Support in-game needs when appropriate, including emotional regulation guidance or reset strategies.

• Observe practices and games to evaluate communication patterns, body language, role clarity, and competitive behaviors.

• Educate athletes on coping skills, sleep and recovery mindset strategies, confidence-building methods, and emotional intelligence.

• Offer staff education sessions related to team dynamics, communication styles, mental load, and athlete support.

• Develop mental skills resources, routines, or handouts for players throughout the season.

• Maintain appropriate licensure or certification for mental health and/or applied sport psychology.

• Adhere to all HIPAA, WNBA, and team confidentiality standards.

• Demonstrate professionalism, emotional intelligence, and consistency in a high-performance environment.

• Maintain a flexible schedule, with availability for nights, weekends, home games, and training camp.

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Sport Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related field.

• Certification or licensure as required by state regulations (e.g., Licensed Psychologist, CMPC from AASP).

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience working with collegiate, professional, or elite athletes.

• Strong background in applied sport psychology and mental performance coaching.

• Proven ability to build trust and communicate effectively with diverse athletes and staff.

• Experience working within the WNBA, NBA, NCAA Division I basketball, or other elite team sport environments.

• Familiarity with the unique demands of women’s professional sports.

• Experience supporting athletes in high-pressure, fast-paced performance cycles.

This position offers the opportunity to shape the competitive mindset and holistic well-being of Chicago Sky athletes within a progressive, integrated, and championship-driven environment. You will join a high-performance team committed to innovation, collaboration, and supporting athletes at the highest level of the women’s game.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.